News Release 

Date: Mar. 21, 2008

Contact: Rebecca Schuelke, communication specialist
Telephone: (315) 453-3823 extension 103
Cell phone: (315) 427-2714
Email: rschuelke@nyfvi.org


Production, economic potential of high tunnel agriculture focus of conference

Starting high tunnel production of produce and other horticultural product is the focus of a two-day workshop set for March 27-28 at Hotel Saranac, Saranac Lake, NY.

Speakers will include growers using high tunnels and experts from the Cornell Cooperative Extension system.

Discussion includes experiences in growing, production tips and the economic aspects of high tunnels.

Cornell University horticulture professor H. Christian Wien said, “High tunnels are widely used in other parts of the world: it is estimated that there are 1.9 million acres of high tunnels in China. We expect the use of high tunnels in New York to return a gain of $500,000 per year in the farm-gate value of the state’s horticultural crops by 2010.”

At the conference, Wien will summarize two years of research on the effect of the choice of plastic covering, temperature, wind and ventilation controls on cut flower production in high tunnels, as well as the vulnerability of tunnels to high winds.

Wien is the project leader of an initiative to extend resources and information about high tunnel production throughout the state that aims to increase use of high tunnels among New York growers. That effort recently won a $217,000 two-year project grant from the New York Farm Viability Institute, a farmer-led nonprofit group that funds research projects designed to help farmers increase profits.

Husband and wife Ted and Jan Blomgren use high tunnels to grow cut flowers and vegetables at Windflower Farm of Valley Falls, NY. Ted will talk about innovations in high tunnel use.

“We use both the traditional style and the caterpillar style tunnels to grow crops year-round. The caterpillar style is an inexpensive, portable, walk-in structure that is an economical way to start with high tunnel production,” he said.

Rob Hastings grows fresh produce, herbs and flowers in 10 high tunnels and greenhouses at Rivermede Farm in Keene Valley, NY. He has been a mentor for season extension techniques in northern New York. At the conference, he will talk evaluate various types of tunnels, construction, glazing, and cropping patterns.

Hastings is developing production practices that will allow him to grow multiple crops 12 months a year in the challenging Adirondack climate, he said.

New York State Small Fruit Specialist Dr. Marvin Pritts will speak on growing raspberries.

Pritts said, “Raspberries are a high-value crop that sells for $ 3 to $6 per1/2 pint during late fall. A tremendous opportunity exists for New York growers to use off-season production techniques to sell high quality raspberries to restaurants, supermarkets or directly to the consumer when there are no other local sources.”

Adding to the discussion of the exciting economic potential of high tunnel use will be Laura McDermott, Eastern New York Small Fruit Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Cooperative Extension vegetable specialist Judson Reid will share tips from eight years of high tunnel research on growing tomatoes.

Reid said, “Tomatoes are well-suited to high tunnel production. Growers can produce 15 to 20 pounds of saleable tomatoes per plant – that definitely makes this type of production something to consider. However, growers must grow tomatoes in combination with other crops to keep soil nutrients replenished.”

Using biological controls for weeds, pests and diseases is the topic of Elizabeth Lamb, a senior extension associate with Cornell’s Floriculture Integrated Pest Management Program.

Lamb said, “There are personal and economic advantages to using IPM. Growers who are interested in reducing or eliminating their pesticide use often use high tunnels. IPM practices, in turn, provide growers with the opportunity to market their products to the consumers interested in `green’ or `naturally-raised’ products.”

Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program, and the New York Farm Viability Institute are sponsoring the High Tunnel Production in NNY conference.

Two-day conference cost is $50 per person and includes lunch both days and Friday breakfast. Thursday-only registration is $30 and includes lunch; Friday-only registration is $40 and includes breakfast and lunch.

Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County at (518) 561-7450 to register.




New York Farm Viability Institute is an independent, farmer-led nonprofit organization that directs and funds farm-level research to increase profits, reduce costs and other barriers, create jobs and encourage practical innovation on the farm. The Institute receives funds from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Visit www.nyfvi.org.